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Jan 11th, 2023

What is Agile Testing? Approaches | Lifecycle

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Have you ever wondered why some software products feel seamless and effortless while others leave you frustrated and confused? 

The secret lies in agile testing. But what exactly is agile testing, and why is it essential in software development?

In this blog, we will explore the world of agile testing, its various approaches, and its lifecycle.

So, let's simplify the concepts and examine the agile testing approaches and lifecycle more closely to uncover how they ensure the quality and reliability of software applications.

What is Agile Testing?

Agile testing is a testing method that aligns with the guidelines and principles of agile software development. 

Unlike the Waterfall process, Agile Testing may begin right away with continuous integration of development and testing. 

The agile testing approach is not linear (in the sense that it is only conducted after the coding process) but relatively continuous.

What are The Agile Testing Approaches?

The agile testing approach is a set of techniques that focus on rapid software testing. It is a lean and iterative process that ensures the continuous delivery of high-quality software.

1. Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

Before the development phase, Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) emphasizes communication among project stakeholders to ensure that all individuals recognize each feature.

In addition, BDD requires testers, developers, and business analysts to construct "scenarios" for excellent illustration discussion. Scenarios are expressed in a particular manner known as the Gherkin Provided syntax.

They describe how a feature acts in various contexts with variable input settings. These are "executable specs" since they include requirements and inputs to automated testing.

2. Acceptance Test Driven Development (ATDD)

The team designs scenarios, then constructs tests around those that fail first and implements the software functionality that allows the systems to pass. It differs from typical Test Driven Development (TDD) in that it tests the entire software functioning rather than just specific components.

3. Exploratory Testing

The test execution and design phases are intertwined in exploratory testing.

Rather than individually creating, implementing, and executing tests, this testing method relies on engaging with working software. Exploratory testing allows testers to "experiment with" the program in an unstructured manner.

Exploratory testing is not prescribed; testers are imaginative to uncover activities or edge circumstances that would damage the product.

The actual procedure through which testers tested the program is not documented, but when a flaw is discovered, it is registered as usual.

4. Session-Based Testing

This approach is comparable to exploratory testing but is more ordered, with the intent to evaluate the program thoroughly.

It includes test charters, which assist testers in determining what to test, and test reports, which enable testers to report what they uncover during a test. Timed sessions are used to administer tests.

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Types of Agile Methodologies

There are several types of Agile methodologies used in software development. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Scrum

Scrum is, without a doubt, the most popular of the several frameworks that support the Agile technique.

Scrum is distinguished by development cycles or stages known as sprints, in addition to the maximization of development time for a software product toward a goal known as the Product Goal.

This Product Target is a higher-level value target toward which sprints move the scrum team's product closer.

It is most commonly employed in managing software product development, but it may also be successfully applied in a commercial environment.

Every day begins with a tiny 15-minute meeting called the daily Scrum, which is responsible for synchronizing activities, determining the best approach to planning the working day, and keeping track of sprint "health" and product development.

Kanban

Is a Japanese term with a connotation related to the notion of "just in time."

In reality, the Kanban technique is structured on a board or table (Kanban board), which is separated into columns and displays each flow inside the software development project.

The information in the table varies as the development progresses, and a new "card" is produced whenever a new task is introduced.

This technique is also effective in specific business areas such as HR, marketing, and so on, as it provides the needed insight into the team's duties.

The Kanban technique necessitates communication and openness so that all team members are aware of the stage of development and can observe the state of a project at any moment.

Therefore, it is ideal for processes that undergo minor modifications and primarily focus on team capability.

Extreme Programming (XP)

The Extreme Programming ("XP") technique is built on the concept of finding "the easiest thing that will work" without putting too much emphasis on the long-term product vision.

It is a methodology that promotes customer happiness over everything else and emphasizes qualities like communication, simplicity, feedback, courage, and respect.

In addition, this technique fosters trust by encouraging developers to accept modifications to clients' needs, even if they occur late in the development cycle.

When an issue is fixed by the entire team of managers, engineers, or customers, bringing them together stimulates dialogue and engagement and breaks down communication barriers.

They all become vital pieces of the same jigsaw, fostering an environment conducive to high production and efficiency among teams. Extreme Programming tests software from the start, collecting input to enhance development.

XP encourages activities like pair programming, which is a remarkable engineering style with a robust testing component.

Agile Software Testing Life Cycle

  • 1Stage 1: Impact Assessment: Stakeholders and users provide input during this initial phase. The feedback phase assists the test engineers in setting the objectives of the next life cycle.
  • 2Stage 2: Agile Testing Planning: The second phase of the Agile testing life cycle involves planning the testing process and deliverables with all stakeholders.
  • 3Stage 3: Release Readiness: We evaluate whether the features that have been developed/implemented are ready for deployment. It is also decided at this stage which one needs to be redeveloped.
  • 4Stage 4: Daily Scrums: Every stand-up morning meeting is held to discuss the testing status and set daily goals.
  • 5Stage 5: Test Agility Review: Agility Review Meetings are the final phase of the Agile life cycle. It involves weekly meetings with stakeholders to evaluate and assess progress against goals regularly.

In The End

The agile software testing technique emphasizes testing as early in the software development lifecycle as feasible. It necessitates extensive client interaction and testing of code as quickly as it is released.

The code should be reliable enough to be tested on the system. Extensive regression testing may be performed to ensure that all problems have been repaired and tested. The main reason for the success of agile model testing is communication across teams.

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

Common challenges in Agile Testing include managing test automation, maintaining test coverage, aligning testing activities with frequent changes, and ensuring effective collaboration and communication within Agile teams.

Defects in Agile Testing are managed using Agile defect tracking tools, such as Jira, Trello, or Bugzilla, enabling teams to capture, prioritize, assign, and track defects efficiently throughout the development lifecycle.

Key metrics in Agile Testing include test coverage, defect density, defect aging, sprint burndown, and velocity, providing insights into the progress, quality, and performance of Agile development teams.

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